Piper appealing quarter-million-dollar fine

Piper Aircraft is appealing FAA allegations of wrongdoing that have led to a proposed civil penalty fine of $222,300. According to the FAA, a March 2001 review of the Vero Beach, Fla. manufacturer’s production records showed the company “failed to properly maintain its approved quality systems and failed to ensure its aircraft conformed to the approved type design.” No accidents or incidents are attributed to the alleged violations. Piper said the fine is “inappropriate and we are working with the agency to resolve the matter.” The FAA’s May 23 letter to Piper listing the alleged violations show that most of them involve record-keeping and other paperwork.